E-Liquid Considerations: VG vs PG
Across flavours, brands, and styles, all e-liquids contain a mixture of VG (Vegetable Glycerin) and PG (Propylene Glycol). These ingredients comprise most of what’s in a typical bottle of vape juice and work together to provide the flavour, throat hit, and vapour that you crave. VG and PG both play important roles in any e-liquid, but their properties can be a source of confusion for new and seasoned vapers alike. Here is a closer look at VG vs PG vape juice.
What do PG and VG have in common?
These two important e-juice ingredients do have several things in common. First of all, they are both odourless liquids used to form the base of all vape juices. They are both sugar alcohols, which are not intoxicating and are found in a wide range of consumable products. Each has its own unique mouth and throat sensations, consistency, and taste. Each one produces vapour when heated. And each can help achieve specific goals when mixed in certain ratios. Now that you know a little more about how VG and PG are alike, let’s delve into what makes them different.
Propylene glycol – what is PG?
PG is a petroleum byproduct that is commonly used in foods such as ice cream, whipped dairy products, liquid sweeteners, and sodas. In the world of e-juice, PG provides a “throat hit,” a sensation that many vapers find to be very similar to real smoking. PG also carries flavour, making it the key ingredient for suspending flavours in vape juices.
Vegetable glycerin – what is VG?
VG is a natural chemical derived from vegetable oils. It is frequently used as a sweetener in the food industry. VG can give an e-liquid a viscous quality while providing sweetness, a lot of vapour, and a smooth throat hit. High-VG vape juice is usually reserved for vapers who are using rebuildable atomizers and sub-ohm tanks. If you happen to have a PG allergy, then high-VG liquids may be right for you as well.
What should your VG/PG ratio be?
The bad news is that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The good news is that vaping is a highly customizable activity, so you can create the experience that suits you perfectly. Here are a few considerations when trying to figure out your ideal PG/VG ratio.
- Throat hit. If you’re an ex-smoker (or trying to be), then you may enjoy a solid throat hit similar to that of a cigarette. Try a high-PG vape juice for a little more of a kick and the best flavour.
- Smoothness. If it’s a smoother hit that you’re after, try a more VG-forward juice. VG tends to offer a more relaxed and smoother throat hit, a thicker mouthfeel, and slightly muted flavours.
- Stealth vaping. Is discretion important to you? Then go for a higher-PG liquid. PG produces smaller, more easily hidden clouds to allow you to enjoy your vape in more places.
- Cloudchasing. Do you want exactly the opposite of stealth vaping? Are you looking for big, thick, abundant clouds? Then look for more VG in your e-juice.
- Type of device. Look into which devices do best with which juices and choose accordingly. For example, clearomizers do best with higher-PG liquids, while pod rebuildables work just fine with either (or even a 50/50 mix).
Understanding the differences between these two ingredients and learning how to choose the best VG-PG ratio for you can give you the satisfying vaping experience that you want.
